Supporting someone back to work
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Supporting Absent Employees with Mental Health: Best Practices
Keeping Contact and Supportive Communication
During an employee's absence due to mental illness:
- Keep in regular contact via email or phone as part of a return to work initiative.
- Ensure contacts are genuine and supportive, not merely token gestures.
- Ask about their well-being and update them on relevant work-related changes.
Planning and Facilitating Return to Work
Preparing for an employee's return:
- Consider the type and level of mental illness and their rehabilitation plan.
- Plan a phased return to work to accommodate individual needs and challenges.
- Address barriers like embarrassment or fear of returning to work environment.
- Avoid rushing the return process to ensure readiness and wellness.
Support Systems and Confidentiality
Establishing supportive systems and confidentiality:
- Implement a support process and phased return model.
- Regularly review and adjust support measures to promote mental health.
- Conduct risk assessments as needed before the employee returns to work.
- Maintain confidentiality; disclose information only with employee's consent.